Beijing, Oct. 13 -- China's communist authorities have launched a sweeping campaign against one of the country's largest unregistered Christian congregations, Zion Church, detaining or disappearing more than 30 pastors and members across multiple provinces. The operation has sparked outrage among international human rights advocates and top US officials, as reported by The Epoch Times.

According to The Epoch Times, a statement released by Zion Church and shared by the Texas-based human rights group ChinaAid, Chinese authorities carried out simultaneous raids across five provinces, as well as Beijing and Shanghai. The church stated that its worship halls were sealed, property seized, and families of members harassed.

"Our detained pastor...